New York City is launching a new initiative aimed at safely accommodating e-bikes, e-scooters, and other forms of micromobility on park drives and greenways.
On Thursday, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa announced plans to propose amendments to park rules, which would permanently allow the operation of e-bikes and stand-up e-scooters on park drives and greenways, areas where these vehicles were previously restricted.
Currently, e-bikes and e-scooters are permitted in city bike lanes, and the new rules aim to extend this privilege to park areas, while still prohibiting heavier motorized vehicles like mopeds.
This initiative follows a two-year pilot program launched by NYC Parks in 2023, which permitted these vehicles to navigate park roadways such as Central Park and Prospect Park loops. The city intends to use the data and findings from this pilot program to inform strategies for safely integrating electric micromobility options in public parks.
“Connecting our parks and greenways to New York’s wider transportation network is essential,” said Rodriguez-Rosa.
She emphasized the importance of adapting public spaces to accommodate diverse transportation methods, ensuring a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-mobility users alike.
However, the initiative has drawn criticism from some quarters, with calls for the pilot program’s termination due to safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.
Council Member Robert Holden, who represents several neighborhoods in Queens, has sponsored Intro 0060, a measure proposing a ban on e-scooters and e-bikes in the city’s parks, citing safety as a primary concern.
Supporters, however, argue that allowing micromobility in parks aligns with emerging transportation trends and contributes positively to city life.
Ligia Guallpa, executive director of Worker’s Justice Project, praised the proposal, stating that it would significantly aid working-class New Yorkers by providing safer transportation alternatives.
“What we are doing here is opening up greenways and park drives to e-bikes and e-scooters, a critical step in adapting our city to alternative modes of transportation,” Guallpa remarked.
She added that improved infrastructure supporting safe work conditions benefits everyone, fostering a more accessible and sustainable city.
This initiative also aligns with the city Department of Transportation’s (DOT) ongoing efforts to enhance safety and usability on drives through Central Park, where designated areas for pedestrians and cyclists are being created.
In March, DOT began milling and paving reworks on Central Park’s six-mile loop, focusing initially on the mid and southern sections from 96th Street to 90th Street along the East Drive. Repaving of the northern section is slated for next year.
DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, “E-bikes are a safe, environmentally friendly, and essential transportation and recreational options for thousands of New Yorkers.”
He expressed pride in collaborating with Parks to develop plans that accommodate all visitors to the parks and greenways while prioritizing pedestrian safety.
The Parks and DOT will monitor the effects of the new Central Park drive configurations to establish best practices for similar projects in other parks, while also gathering feedback from the completed pilot program and the community mapping tool.
In related news, recent reports indicate a dramatic downturn in traffic fatalities across New York City, resulting in record low numbers for the first half of 2025.
As per a recent announcement from DOT, traffic deaths reached a historic low of 87 this year, matching the rates from 2018 and marking the least recorded fatalities since the city began tracking the metric in 1910
This marks a notable 32 percent reduction compared to the previous year, with significant improvements across all vehicle categories, most notably a 39 percent reduction in fatalities involving motorized two-wheelers such as e-bikes and a decrease of 48 percent for other motor vehicles.
Interaction between transportation modes continues to evolve, as seen in another recent project—the transformation of Astoria’s 31st Avenue into a two-way bike boulevard, aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety.
DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the completion of substantial safety upgrades in this area, which now includes a new protected bike path connecting to major thoroughfares, creating a seamless route from Astoria to the Queensboro Bridge.
The initiative has expanded pedestrian spaces, redesigned intersections to slow down vehicle traffic, and incorporated additional public seating to create a more user-friendly environment.
In one of the boldest steps in urban planning, five state-of-the-art public restrooms have opened across NYC parks, with each restroom costing a hefty $1 million to install. These modern, prefabricated restrooms, dubbed ‘Portland Loos,’ are designed for year-round usage and rapid assembly.
The installation expenses come primarily from substantial infrastructure upgrades required for connection to existing water and electrical systems.
Despite the high price tag attached to installation, these restrooms are still more economical than traditional restroom facilities, which can range from $3 million to $5 million each.
Meanwhile, looming fare hikes are anticipated for New York City’s subway and bus services, with expectations that standard transit fares may surpass $3 by year-end.
Although this increase was originally scheduled for August, it will likely be postponed pending a mandatory public comment period, as indicated by MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber during a recent board meeting.
This fare hike corresponds with the MTA’s transition from MetroCard sales as they shift towards the OMNY system, a significant transformation in public transportation.
Back in the realm of housing stability, the Rent Guidelines Board has approved a rent increase of up to 4.5 percent for stabilized apartments, marking the fourth consecutive year of increases for New Yorkers in this sector.
The new adjustments include a 3 percent hike on one-year leases and a 4.5 percent rise for two-year leases starting from October 1.
This vote follows closely after Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani’s electoral success in the Democratic mayoral primary, where he has pledged to advocate for a rent freeze upon inauguration.
In summary, as New York City continues to develop its micromobility infrastructure and innovate urban living solutions, the interplay between safety, accessibility, and evolving transportation needs remains a central focus for city planners and community advocates alike.
image source from：6sqft
